Managing It All

Who'd have thought retirement life would be so busy?  It's not like I'm raising three children while holding a full time job.  But now I have so many different interests that I am conflicted because I can’t fully attend to each of them.  I have work at the pool, ranch chores and managing our small boarding business, horseback riding and training, working out, blogging, concerts and dancing, eating healthy, reading, family and friend time.  Then I have to find time to take care of my cats and dog, go shopping, clean, meal prep, eat, sleeping, bath etc.  Oh and there's also my doctor and dentist visits, vet visits, farrier, horse chiropractor, and so on.  

Saturday 9/6 - It was a cold, rainy day, all day long.  I tried to finish last week's blog but had three days left to account for, just too much.  I hit the library to pick up the next James Patterson book in the Alex Cross series, since I had finished the Nicholas Sparks book, and then spent three hours at the gym.  My workout consisted of a vigorous warm up (I needed because the cool gloomy day had me feeling cold).  I continued with a total body weight workout, and an hour on the elliptical, and ended with some good stretch and balance work for my cool down.

Betty and I had planned to ride, but it was still raining when I got home at 2:30.  Eventually we both voted to stay home, have tea, read and maybe nap.  I worked here blogging after a hardy late lunch/early dinner and shower, sitting in my loungers.  

I never got the nap in because I got news from Brooke that she would be moving Banner by the end of the month.  So that had my brain working overtime.  It would change herd dynamics and the work schedule.  But also, I have a "waiting" list of people that might want to take the open spot, so I was thinking through all those possibilities.  (I'll be looking for the perfect fit with person and horse.)  Managing it all (the boarding business) has its challenges, but worth it all because it enables me to afford two horses.

I had to be talked out of my loungers to get dressed and go to The Grove for yet another concert, the Pink Houses, a John Mellencamp tribute band.  I couldn't believe they were still holding the concert because it was cold, damp, and actually misting when the concert started.
← Nancy, Mike, Micki, and Patty.
 
Mike messing with Nancy →


I wasn't a Mellencamp follower, so the music was not familiar to me.  Also there was a very small crowd so you didn't feel the energy as usual.  And it was not ideal weather.  But it did clear off for awhile, and those who were there were having a good time.  







And the band was actually quite good.  Everybody raved about how well they played Mellencamp's music.  






It got foggy again before the night ended, but that added a cool vibe to the evening.  I did not yell for an encore, but many did, so two more songs were played before I packed up my chair and headed home... to a warm bed.

Sunday 9/7 - I was up reading from 10 to midnight because I hadn't been able to fall asleep, so I didn't get up until 6:30.  I was still unable to finish last week's blog because I needed to be at work by 10:15.  I was struggling to manage it all.  

 

It was a cool day, only getting up to the mid 70s, and the pool water was only 74°, so I only had 15 customers during my whole, full day (11-5 pool hours) shift.  Patty had dropped in about 3:30 and we discussed ranch business and by the time she had left, so had everybody else, so I quickly did the closing procedure and was able to leave just after 5pm.  

I got my nightly jobs done once home, and my weekly tasks of trash collection and watering plants, and still had time to finish last week's blog.  I felt like I was managing it all well, for the time being.  I would proof the blog and post it in the morning though, because my mind at night just ain't that cognitive.

Monday 9/8 - I no longer work Mondays because of our new September pool schedule, where we each only work 1 or 2 days a week, but do a full seven hour shift (including opening and closing procedures).  So, after the usual morning ranch chores, I did some other jobs with Joe's help.  Above, got some gravel to fill in the hole that's been made by water from the shed roof, but is where we keep the manure wheelbarrow, tipped on end.  

I cleaned old corn cobs and leaves out of the corn crib where they have been sitting (since this was last used as a corn crib) for years, and has been on my to-do list several years. 

I had also picked up a lot of sticks from under the trees in the pasture and corral.  






Then I picked up the larger stones from the lower paddock that have come to the surface and are not the best for the horses to step on or the mower to run over.

We had decided to keep our two benches (that each convert to a half table) out at the ranch where they will be used more often.  So we placed them here for now so they are off the grass for mowing.  Joe also dismantled and hauled off the old, rotten, sagging picnic table.  

 



Karen and Joanne were planning to take Zorro and Rico out on a ride at noon and I had planned to ride Amiga out alone in the morning and then go to the gym in the afternoon.  Well, time got away from me (just can't manage it all) so I ended up riding with them.  








Amiga did well, only favoring her bad front leg on the downhills.  I only rode her a few miles, returning home while Joanne and Karen continued down the trail.  




It was such a pretty day and beautiful riding weather.  I enjoyed the company of the other two (video) but also like the silence and intimacy with Amiga when alone on my horse.  She did great leaving the two, but we were headed back to the ranch.  

It was after 3:00 when I got home, and I heard the music was starting early (at 5pm) so I abandoned the idea of the gym.  Besides, I was kind of tired. 

Tonight's band 'Dreams' was a Fleetwood Mac tribute band (with singer Stevie Nicks).  Again they weren't one I followed so I didn't know a lot of the songs.  And their music was much slower and not good dancing music, so I mostly sat and listened.

Tuesday 9/9 - Betty and I trailered to East Fork Stables, meeting at the ranch at 8:15 and arriving at EFS before 10am.  The horses loaded and unloaded beautifully.

After checking in at the office, we parked, unloaded, saddled up, and hit the restroom before hitting the trail.

Day parking is by C campground, so we rode out on the 'C' trail (video).  Betty has ridden here many times over the years so she took the lead.  The weather was perfect.  You couldn't ask for a nicer day.  

 










Betty did not feel the need to be photographed, but took a ton of photos of Rico and I. 
 

When we reached the meadow, we had several choices on which trail to take.  We took 'B'.  

Rico did great all day and I was so happy with him.  Other than two tiny spooks and wanting to turn around for about a ½ mile while leading the way down one trail, he was flawless.  


A cabin in the woods, with the outhouse in back.  This was literally out in the middle of no-where.









In some cases I couldn't decide between photos so included more than one.  It just sort of captures the moment better.  Rico did well standing for photos, although moving his head and tail.  




Right away we started noticing skeletons along the trail.  So they became the opportunity for staged photos.  Rico was sometimes leery of these scary things, but also showed curiosity.  












There were many animal skeletons lurking around in the woods as we rode.  This was an armadillo.  




Oops, did this person get knocked off their horse because of the tree branch?  😄  














I loved Rico's curiosity, yet caution. 

  
← today' photo of Owen’s Overlook looked quite a bit different than in this November 20, 2022 photo. ↓

 

 






Jean and I viewed this when we had camped and rode at EFS.  Jean was riding Robbie and I was on Amiga.

Betty and I had tied Dorado and Rico to a pick line at the Overlook picnic area.









We got some photos of the view and then had a snack.  





These two characters were trying to steal a bite of my granola bar (live photo). 

There were many signs on the trees with inspirational quotes that were nice to read.  And there were also 'hidden' pictures and art that were fun.   

We'd almost missed this one.  



I don't think Rico even saw it, or he was unimpressed.











It was very cool how the light shining through this plaque showed the raccoon face.  

We saw Fairyland (which did not impress me with all its artificial figurines) and a few more overlooks.  

Notice the name of this one... reminding me of our party for Britney and Juan Carlos.  


 
My 'between the ears' shot of the sign.  













There were a few cool rock outcroppings and 'caves' or overhangs we also rode by.  Oh, and there were also several creek crossings.
 

Rico lead the way a fair amount of the time and did very well (video).  I was very happy with and quite proud of him.  We had to go back through the meadow for a bit and it had gotten buggy and hot out in the open.    







Thankfully in the woods it was cool with no bugs at all.  Ideal riding conditions!  I had taken a video (or tried to) of all the wild flowers, but it did not record.  There were tons of different varieties and colors.

We took trail 'B' back to camp and rode through part of the campground to get back to our trailer.  On our way back we hit the obstacle course, after encountering other articles of interest, like this covered wagon.

Rico had a tiny spook at a trash can but otherwise did very well.  

We played around on several obstacles.

A tractor dumping gravel into a big dump truck kept Rico's attention for a few minutes.

Here is a map of the nearly nine miles we rode, in just over 3½ hours.

We let the horses eat after untacking and Rico even got in a little roll.  They did great loading and unloading again to get back to the ranch.  It had been a fantastic experience.  I was pretty much 'spent' for the day by the time I got home close to dinner time. 











It was early to bed with the three cats and my book.

Wednesday 9/10 - During morning ranch chores, Rico gave me a little scare.  After breakfast, I had put him out in the front pasture, where he was eating grass contently, while Zorro and Amiga remained closed into the paddock.  At one point I saw him lay down and roll and scratch, and I didn’t think anything of it.
 
   

But then about 10 minutes later when I was coming up from the barn, he was still lying there and had laid down flat out.  I thought he was sleeping because when I came up close to take a picture, it sounded like he was snoring, but then I noticed him seeming to breathe heavily, and the noises were more like maybe groans.  But I really don’t know.  I was afraid he was colicking.

It took a minute to persuade him to get up.  I walked him down to the corral and he got a big drink from the water tub there.  Then I walked him through the lower paddock where he also got a drink from that water tank.  After that we took a long walk, going around the whole back pasture, in both directions.  He has never been in that field and I had wanted him to get a look at the fence line.  When we returned to the lower paddock, he got a tiny drink out of the pond.  He hadn't pooped, but I decided he was okay so turned him loose.  He went galloping off to be with his boy buddies in the back field.

When conversing with the ladies about this 'episode' I decided it wasn't colic, because he was not hardly distressed (no thrashing about).  Maybe he had a little gas, or was just tired from yesterday and sleeping hard.  I hoped I had managed it all right.

The lower photo was taken a few days ago while heading home past former Wildwood Stables.  The local farmer (Dale, who was too busy to cut our hay) has taken down all old, rotten fencing and was clearing the fence line.  


 
Today I noticed that Dale is in the process of putting up new fencing.  He is getting ready to bring in cattle.
  







This is definitely a better outcome than a housing development, condos, or golf course.  But I wondered if we will ever be able to get the stables back.  I plan to continue to pursue it.

I had gone to the gym and got in a good arm and ab. workout, since my legs have been getting a fair amount of exercise the past two days.  And then I had a late lunch out on the back deck with these fur babies.

I got these photos from this (video).  






Shadow does a lot of cute rolling and rubbing in kind of a submissive and friendly gesture and has entangled or snared me into being his friend (food provider) with purring, headbutts, and gentle rubbing against my legs.  



And look at Rose's little dribbles around her mouth.  Was she salivating over my mac&cheese?

Man these cats sure have a way of working themselves into my heart.  I think all the cats manage me, rather than I manage all of them.

Thursday 9/11 - Patriots Day  
I hadn't slept well; troubles managing all my thoughts concerning ranch operations, trailering plans, upcoming medical appointments, and ideas for Britney's visit.  

Since I was up so early, I had extra time and was able to do my computer games. I also realized I had forgotten to fast for my blood draw so would get it done tomorrow.  No appointment is necessary, you just walk in.

While sitting here trying to get work done on this blog, being distracted by games, I also made some phone calls.  I scheduled my mammogram and also left a voicemail with my doctor's office to see what time the lab opened tomorrow morning.
 

The day was warming up and Rose had to move from the sun into the shade on the back deck.

I ate a big, late (3rd) breakfast and then hiked the short Glastowbury Trail with Joe.  We both then met at the ranch and I helped him remove a big tree from the fence line in the back pasture.

 




The before photo I took Wednesday when I was walking Rico around the back field.  Notice Cowboy was following us.  

And here's the after photo.  The big, heavy, dead tree was just barely on the top line of barbwire.  Most of its weight was on a few little trees it had landed on and was 'hung up on' or being held up by.

 

Betty and Patty arrived at the ranch around 1:30 for us to go for a ride together.  It had gotten a little warm, especially out in the sun, but otherwise was wonderful.  Patty turned back early with Zorro who we don't want to overwork. 

Betty and I ended up going 6½ miles.  Rico seemed a bit sluggish or tired at times, but led the way for much of the ride.  Both horses did a great job.  

I have been struggling with what’s best for Rico.  Where is it best for him to be 'kept.'  And how much should I ask of others, in terms of moving him from one herd to the other.  I like him to have two herds so he won't become so buddy sour.  It's helpful to him to have both groups he’s comfortable with.  We have had Rico with the three boys during the day and the Pasos at night before, so I was doing that, but it was a lot of trouble switching him, so he is in the front pasture by himself during the day for the time being.  Once Banner is gone, the dynamics will change again.

 

 

 
Rico has been dealing with staying on the front pasture by himself but is very glad to join back up with the Pasos overnight.

I had gotten a voicemail from my Dr. office to call them about the lab hours.  Well, it was too late, the office was already closed.  Why didn't the secretary just tell me the hours in her voicemail?  I hoped the lab was open at the usual 7am time, so fasted all night after a big dinner.

Friday 9/12 - Today was sister Cathy's Birthday and the chiropractor morning at the ranch.  But first I had to go get my blood draw.  I was at the lab at 6:45 for their 7am opening...  come to find out they are closed on Fridays.  Ugh!!  Wish the doctor's secretary would have told me that in her voice mail.  I drank my hot tea from a thermos and ate a protein power bar while I drove to the ranch.    


I fed the Pasos and started leading them down to the barn.  Bonnie was already there brushing Cowboy.

Patty, Joanne, and Betty soon showed up, as did Katy (the horse chiropractor).

Amiga waiting in her stall while Katy worked on Rico.  Joanne took videos, which I got all these photos off of.  

 

Katy worked her 'magic' on five of the six horses (not Banner).  She performs a manual evaluation from head to tail (including each leg) to identify areas of joint dysfunction or restricted motion in the horse's musculoskeletal system, then applies a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to a specific joint or spine segment to restore motion and function.

We could see immediate results in areas where Katy had done an adjustment.


In these last two photos, Amiga is having her turn.  Each horse held very still, as if to know Katy was helping them, and actually liking what she was doing.  

I made the decision to keep Rico with the gelding group 24/7, so put him in the back paddock and made up food bags for feeding him down in the barn.  I moved his feed bowl down also.

Once home I indulged myself with a larger than usual lunch because I hadn't had my usual 2 or 3 breakfasts. 
I had opted to hike with Joe (working on the 26.2 mile hiking marathon for the month of September) rather than go to the gym.  So I had time to do a little yard work.  





I noticed this rather large and interesting cluster of fungi in our backyard while picking up sticks, a constant job when you have so many trees.  

Like mother - like daughter.  Mama Stix on the left and Babe on the right, both with their front legs stretched out and one back foot sticking up.  
  
  

I fed Maggie an early dinner and Joe and I drove quite away to do a hike, but the park where the trail was closed at 4:30.  So, we went on into town as planned and had dinner at McAlister's Deli and then did some needed shopping at Walmart.  
We got home to feed the cats a late dinner.  Rose had not shown up for breakfast, and there was no sign of her or Shadow. 
I continue working at managing it all.